India is accelerating its transition towards sustainable transportation with the strategic identification of ten high-impact highway corridors earmarked for the deployment of zero-emission trucks (ZETs).
This ambitious initiative represents a significant stride in decarbonising the nation’s logistics sector, mitigating air pollution, bolstering energy security, and aligning with India’s steadfast commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the ambitious target year of 2070. The selection of these key corridors follows a comprehensive three-phase assessment process, meticulously evaluating factors crucial for the successful adoption of electric trucking. The ten priority corridors identified by the government are: Delhi–Chandigarh, Delhi–Jaipur, Pune–Nashik, Dhanbad–Kolkata, Kolkata–Haldia, Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru–Chennai, Chennai–Viluppuram, Coimbatore–Salem, and Coimbatore–Kochi. These specific segments were chosen based on a confluence of critical factors, including the intensity of freight traffic, the concentration of industrial activity along the routes, the existing availability of essential ancillary services, the readiness of grid infrastructure to support charging demands, and the corridor length in relation to the current operational range of battery-electric trucks. This data-driven approach ensures that the initial deployment of ZETs is focused on routes where their impact will be most significant and their operation most feasible.
The imperative for this transition is underscored by the fact that while trucks constitute a mere 3% of the total vehicle population on Indian roads, they are disproportionately responsible for over one-third of all transport-related carbon dioxide emissions. Considering that road transportation accounts for approximately 71% of the overall freight movement across India, the shift towards zero-emission trucking is not merely an environmental imperative but a crucial step in improving public health outcomes and reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. The deployment of ZETs along these high-traffic corridors promises to have a cascading effect, encouraging further adoption and the development of a robust ecosystem to support electric freight transport.
A comprehensive report detailing India’s Priority Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking was officially released by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative. The report, developed through a collaborative effort involving the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and pManifold, serves as a vital strategic guide for policymakers and industry stakeholders navigating this transition. It is also anticipated to inform future strategic investments in critical charging infrastructure, the fostering of public-private partnerships to accelerate deployment, and the establishment of supportive regulatory mechanisms to facilitate the widespread adoption of ZETs.
This ambitious initiative is further bolstered by the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in 2024 with a substantial budget of ₹500 crore. The scheme is specifically designed to incentivise the adoption of zero-emission transport solutions across various segments of the transportation sector. Under this forward-looking scheme, financial subsidies are provided for the purchase of electric trucks, with the mandatory submission of a scrapping certificate for old internal combustion engine trucks serving as a prerequisite. This policy not only encourages the adoption of cleaner technology but also promotes the phasing out of older, more polluting vehicles, creating a positive feedback loop for environmental sustainability.
By strategically focusing on these ten priority highway corridors, India is taking a decisive and significant step towards modernising its transportation infrastructure, reducing its carbon footprint, and achieving its ambitious long-term climate objectives. This initiative not only demonstrates India’s commitment to a greener future but also positions the nation as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable freight transportation. The development and deployment of zero-emission trucking along these key routes will serve as a crucial blueprint for the wider adoption of clean transport technologies across the country, paving the way for more sustainable and equitable cities and a healthier environment for all.
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